Westlake High School students worked with local computer technicians to learn the fundamentals of computers and build a desktop computer from scratch. As part of the Community Engagement Opportunities –Tech (CEO-Tech) Pilot program organized by Communities In Schools of Atlanta, students installed each computer component, hardware and software to get the computer up and running. Students were also able to troubleshoot and upgrade the memory and operating system of the computer to Windows 8.

During the final week, students were able to identify potential recipients of the computer and reflect on their accomplishments. Jacques A. Montemoiño, founder of Gideon Games, Inc. also spoke with the students about career opportunities in computer programming and video game development.

The CEO-Tech pilot project was established by two former Westlake Alumni, Monique Stevenson and computer engineer, Troy Nunnally to expose students to computer technology career pathways through a service learning project. The project also benefited from technology support and volunteer time from IT Resurrection Cafe, Gideon Games, Tech Genius and Brain Rain Solutions. Thank you all!

Communities In Schools (CIS) of Atlanta provided Tri-Cities High School ninth grade students the opportunity to learn different aspects of the architecture and construction industry during the 2014 Career Expo held on March 13, 2014 in the Georgia International Convention Center.

Sponsored by CEFGA, the program identifies existing resources and provides a comprehensive workforce initiative by training individuals within the construction field.

As the largest event in CEFGA history, more than 5,000 students received training from skilled craftsmen, engineers and contractors within the construction and architecture industry.

Through hands-on training and personal mentoring, the students were immersed in the various demands and requirements of working within their chosen field, including carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical wiring, welding and tile-setting. Within the interactive learning environment, students were not only indoctrinated with the various opportunities presented to them at the Career Expo, but they also learned different aspects within each field and demands and skills required to work within their chosen specialty.

According to CIS of Atlanta Site Coordinator La’Vonna Taylor, the students were eager to learn. Tri-Cities student Fatai Owens-Etiko was able to operate heavy machinery from an expert excavationist after only 15 minutes of instruction.

Tri-Cities were among several schools within metro-Atlanta that participated in this event.

Overall, the 2014 Career Expo was a successful experience for the students and provided new career possibilities within the construction and engineering industry.

Included below are photos taken at the event, along with a video of some of the students operating the construction equipment.

CIS students at Redan High School spent a few hours planting flowers, removing weeds and cleaning up their school grounds. The group's community service was part of CIS of Atlanta's Choose Success, which provides mini-grants to student groups so they can enhance their communities. Three service projects will receive awards at this year's Choose Success Awards Dinner Gala. Will the Redan High School project take one of the prizes? Come join us and find out!

The 2014 Choose Success Awards

Communities In Schools (CIS) of Atlanta hosted a memorable celebration to distinguish academic and life accomplishments of students. The students' stories touched the hearts of more than 240 family, friends, educators, elected officials and special guests during the 10th Annual Choose Success Awards Dinner Gala at the Carlos Community Center Thursday, May 1, 2014.

Event emcee Monica Pearson of Kiss 104.1FM lead the program while Freddie Falcon and Captain Planet made special appearances to energize the crowd. The gala recognized elementary, middle and high school students from its Atlanta, DeKalb and Fulton county partner schools for making significant improvements in their attendance, behavior and attendance, and for engaging in service projects that positively impacted their communities.

The videos below provide an opportunity for you to hear some of their stories in their own words.

Videos Featured at the Event

Elementary and Middle Schools Winners

High School Winners

Community Service Projects

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Photo Gallery

Videos Featured at the 2015 Event
Five students received awards for Individual Student Achievement. The videos below provide an opportunity for you to hear some of their stories in their own words. The service project video provides an overview of some of the outstanding community service projects implemented by our students.

Elementary and Middle Schools Winners

High School Winners

Community Service Projects

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Photo Gallery

On March 1, 2014, Communities In Schools (CIS) of Atlanta staff members teamed up with DJ Reec of HOT 107.9, Morgan and Morgan Law Firm and others for the “Bowling 4 Hunger Event,” a charitable bowling tournament sponsored by Positive American Youth (PAYUSA). The purpose was to raise money and to collect canned goods in an effort to fight hunger. During the bowling tournament, CIS of Atlanta site coordinators educated the community about the services that CIS provides for students and their family members.

From Left to Right: CIS Site Coordinators Pam Hurst, La'Vonna Taylor, Dedra Cochran, and Terrell Monroe

Communities In Schools of Atlanta and students from Tri-Cities High School participated in the Aspire Mentoring Academy, a program sponsored by AT&T that prepares high school students for graduation and college/career readiness. The event gives the students a first-hand look at career opportunities, as well as knowledge and skills to help them succeed in the nation’s workforce.

La'Vonna Taylor, CIS Site Coordinator at Tri-Cities High School, organized the student visit, during which the group had the opportunity to learn about the telecommunications industry. The students also visited the AT&T Drive Studio, a working lab where AT&T conducts research on innovative ways to infuse automobiles with telecommunications technology and "infotainment" systems.

Every student at Hamilton E. Holmes Elementary School received a free book. The students and CIS Site Coordinator Dedra Cochran were joined by volunteers, including REEC from Hot 107.9 FM. Students and staff members were allowed to dress as their favorite characters. Special appearances were made by Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz), the Cat in the Hat, Superwoman and more!

Students from Tri-Cities High School participated in “Graduate for Más”, a community-based program sponsored by the Taco Bell Corporation that encourages students to graduate from high school. CIS of Atlanta Site Coordinator La’Vonna Taylor coordinated the program. Students made personal commitments to graduate, and in return they received food incentives, as well as access to educational and social-media related online resources. As the students made their pledges, they were dressed in caps and gowns so they could visualize their future graduation.

“Leadership Lunches” pair young people and business professionals for 2 ½ hour exchanges of information. Youth explore career opportunities while adults meet bright, energetic students who attend Communities In Schools (CIS) of Atlanta’s West End Performance Learning Center (PLC) program.

Students from various Atlanta-based schools had the opportunity of receiving hands-on mentoring through various companies sponsored by CIS of Atlanta Leadership Lunches; these companies included Coca-Cola Enterprises Aviation, Church’s Chicken LLC, Blockbuster Linen, Bank of America, Signature Aviation, and Delta Global Services. Through the program, students are exposed to career possibilities and real-life experience that will broaden their perspective on pathways to a successful future.

Our 2013 Holiday Gift Drive was a huge success, thanks to our friends at WAOK, Walmart, and wonderful suporters who donated gifts for our students! These are a few photos from the gift drive along with photos of students who received the gifts and gift cards.